The History of Ireland

In the latest episode we dive into the Fate of the Children of Tuireann, a story from the 15th century that builds on The Second Battle of Moytura and introduces a fascinating (if slightly horrible) character in the form of Brian, son of Tuireann.

In this episode we explore the concept of honour price and how it was one of the most important legal concept in early medieval Ireland. We then dive back into The Wooing of Étain, where three games of fidchell (ancient Irish chess) demonstrate different approaches to keeping deals and saving face.

In this episode we look at how early medieval Ireland was ruled through a series of different kings and over kings, as well as continue our story of Etain, who is now living in early medieval Ireland with no memory of her time with the Tuatha Dé.Image, used with permission, is Nuada the High King by Jim Fitzpatrick.https://jimfitzpatrick.com/product-category/celtic-irish-fantasy-art/the-book-of-conquests-and-the-silverarm/page/2/

In this episode we get back into The Wooing of Étain, exploring her life as a fly and witness how she is reborn 1000 years later...

In this episode we look at how a Welsh bishop with fringe apocalyptic ideas became the patron saint of Ireland – defeating a whole load of druids in the process.

Did Étain represent the moon? And did The Wooing of Étain teach druids how to read the moon's movement over decades? In this episode we explore how connected to the natural world Irish stories really are and meet the eponymous Étain for the first time.

In this episode we look at the history behind how The Wooing of Étain was uncovered and then dive into the story itself — as the Dagda swindles a poor man out of his home in Newgrange.Imagery for the episode, used with permission, is Boann Bru Na Boinne by the iconic Jim FitzPatrick. You can view more of Jim's stunning work and purchase prints at jimfitzpatrick.com

In this episode we finally get to the big clash between the Fomorians and the Tuatha Dé. It's a brutal and beautiful piece of literature. It also may have been inspired by Viking invasions...Imagery for the episode, used with permission, is Lugh Attacks the Fomor by the iconic Jim FitzPatrick. You can view more of Jim's stunning work and purchase prints at jimfitzpatrick.com

In this episode we follow one of the strangest (and maybe raunchiest) moments in ancient Irish stories as the Dagda prepares for battle.